You've got to remember the local press have been desperate for this, or something like it, to happen. I think they now see him as very much aligned to the Ashley regime (no s***) and also apportion some of the blame for their banning down to him.
The nationals are probably just jumping on the back of the local press.
I think he'll go.
Not because Ashley is incensed by what he's done, more because he's been waiting for an excuse since last season and will see the chance to bin him, with no compen, too good to turn down.